Lhasa Apso

The Lhasa Apso may not look like a watchdog, but they were bred to guard monasteries and palaces. Today, they do the same- and will guard their homes and love their families with all their hearts.

Country of Origin

Tibet
Breed Group

Non-Sporting
Height

Male 10-11 In
Female 10-11 In
Weight

Male 12-18 Ib
Female 12-18 Ib
Life Span

12-15 years

Back to all breeds

In a Nutshell

Despite their small size, Lhasa Apsos are alert, intelligent, and independent. They are known for their strong sense of hearing and protective nature and are excellent watchdogs and loyal companions. Lhasa Apsos can be affectionate and playful family pets with the proper training and socialization.

Life With a Lhasa Apso

Low (1) High (5)

Energy level

Trainability Level

Amount of Shedding

Tendency of Barking

Exercise Needs

Kid Friendly

Pet Friendly

Looks & Personality

The Lhasa Apso stands out with its long, luxurious coat (unless the dog’s owner chooses a trendy haircut). Its coat comes in various colors, such as gold, white, black, and a mix of these shades. Its dark, almond-shaped eyes, cute beards, and whiskers give it a wise and noble look—very fitting for a dog bred by Tibetan monks. Despite their small size, they are confident because they know their capabilities.

Lhasa Apsos are independent and sometimes stubborn while being playful and affectionate. They can also be wary of strangers at first, which makes them excellent watchdogs, but early socialization training can help. They thrive on human interaction and enjoy being part of family activities.

Common Health Problems

Lhasa Apsos have an impressive lifespan, but irresponsible breeding can make them prone to specific hereditary health issues, particularly affecting their nervous system, blood clotting, and kidneys. They are also susceptible to specific diseases.

Did you know?

Enrolling in Animalia Pet Insurance
while your pet is healthy is a wise decision.

Waiting until a disease develops means it won't be covered.

A tip from a vet

Regularly check your dog’s thick and long coat for thorns and vegetation that might get caught and cause skin infections, especially if your dog runs around in open fields. That long coat can also hide eye and ear infections, so check these areas every few days for redness or discharge.

A tip from a trainer

Patience and consistency are essential when training dogs of this breed, which can be stubborn. Use positive reinforcement techniques and start training early. Socialization is crucial to help them become comfortable around different people and environments.

Did You Know

The iconic art collector and socialite Peggy Guggenheim had 14 Lhasa Apso dogs. She chose to have her ashes, and theirs, rest side-by-side in her garden.

“Glee” actress Jane Lynch adopted a Lhasa Apso named Olivia from a shelter, calling her “the love of my life”.

While the average lifespan for this breed is around 15 years, the oldest recorded Lhasa Apso lived to be 29 years old.

In The News

Lhasa Apsos have been given as gifts in Tibet for centuries, symbolizing good fortune. The Dalai Lama gave one to the emperor of China. If you ask us, though, every dog brings good fortune to its owners.

The History Behind the Breed

The Lhasa Apso was bred by Buddhist monks in the ancient city of Lhasa in Tibet. The breed served as guard dogs in monasteries and palaces, alerting residents when intruders approached. While this is a small breed, its sense of hearing and strong protective instincts made it perfect for this role.

In the early 20th century, Lhasa Apsos were introduced to the Western world and quickly gained popularity for their unique appearance and loyal nature. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1935. At first, the organization listed it as the Lhasa Terrier, but in 1944, it changed the registration to reflect the current name. Despite their adaptation to life as companion pets, the breed still has excellent watchdog instincts and an independent spirit.

Get a free quote on pet insurance for
your Lhasa Apso today!

Suggested Breeds

All breeds